Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Jose Llana and More Celebrate at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of Diane Paragas’ YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society
The poster for Diane Paragas’ YELLOW ROSE starring Eva Noblezada, Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan and Dale Watson.
Asian CineVision opened The 42nd Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF42) with the timely immigration drama YELLOW ROSE on Thursday night at Asia Society in New York.
Leslie Lewis, Liam Booth, Producer Karen Elizaga, Co-producer Jeremiah Abraham, Director/Writer Diane Paragas, Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan, Lead Producer Cecilia R. Mejia, Producer Orian Williams at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
Tony Award Winner and Disney Legend Lea Salonga (Once on this Island, Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, Allegiance, Flower Drum Song) flew straight from London where she recently wrapped The Human Heart Tour at The London Palladium, to join cast members Filipina screen veteran Princess Punzalan and Liam Booth (Ghosts Never Sleep), Director/Writer Diane Paragas and Lead Producer Cecilia R. Mejia after the screening on stage for a Q&A moderated by Christina Dehaven.
42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangThe sold out house for YELLOW ROSE. Photo by Lia ChangDiane Paragas, Cecilia R. Mejia, Liam Booth, Princess Punzalan, Lea Salonga, Christina Dehaven at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangDiane Paragas, Cecilia R. Mejia, Liam Booth, Princess Punzalan, Lea Salonga, Christina Dehaven at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangDiane Paragas, Cecilia R. Mejia, Liam Booth, Princess Punzalan, Lea Salonga, Christina Dehaven at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
Broadway vet Jose Llana, who has been starring as the King in The King and I UK Tour, surprised Ms. Salonga at the reception after the screening. The pair starred in David Henry Hwang’s revisal of Flower Drum Song in 2002.
Maria-Christina Oliveras, Lea Salonga and Jose Llana at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangMaria-Christina Oliveras, Lea Salonga, Diane Paragas and her mother, Jose Llana, Victor Lirio and Lia Chang. Photo by Rona Reyes SiehLea Salonga and Victor Lirio at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
YELLOW ROSE is the deeply personal narrative feature debut from Filipina American writer and director Diane Paragas. Rose, played by Two-time Tony Nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon), an undocumented Filipina, dreams of one day leaving her small Texas town to pursue her country music dreams. Her world is shattered when her mom (Princess Punzalan) is suddenly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rose, facing this new realty, is forced to flee the scene, leaving behind the only life she knows, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she searches for a new home in the honky-tonk world of Austin, Texas. Also featured in the film are Lea Salonga, country music star Dale Watson (Friday Night Lights), Gustavo Gomez (The Walking Dead), Libby Villari (Boyhood), and Liam Booth. Set to a poignant soundtrack featuring original songs by Paragas, Noblezada, Watson and the cast, this coming-of-age story brings forth the power of music and art to provide strength in the face of the harsh plight confronting countless immigrant families across the country.
Lea Salonga, Princess Punzalan at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangDirector/Writer Diane Paragas at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangLea Salonga, Princess Punzalan at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangPrincess Punzalan at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangLea Salonga at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAsian Cinevision Executive Director John Woo and Diane Paragas at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangCommissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Anne del Castillo, Asian Cinevision Executive Director John Woo and YELLOW ROSE Director/Writer Diane Paragas at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangLea Salonga and Victor Lirio at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangLea Salonga, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Anne del Castillo, Asian Cinevision Executive Director John Woo at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAAIFF42 Festival Director Kayla Wong and Princess Punzalan at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
YELLOW ROSE won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature at the 2019 Bentonville Film Festival, 2019 CAAMFest and the 2019 Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, with Eva Noblezada taking Best Breakout Actor.
There is an encore screening of YELLOW ROSE on Monday, July 29th at the Regal Essex Theater #3 (129 Delancey Street) at 6:15 p.m, which will be followed by a Q & A with the cast and creative team. yellowrosefilm.com
The film’s producers include Cecilia Mejia, Rey Cuerdo, Orian Williams, Diane Paragas, Co-Producer Jeremiah Abraham, and Executive Producers Olivia de Jesus, John D. Lazatin, Miguel Sevilla, and Karen Elizaga.
AAIFF42 Staff and volunteers at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
The 42nd Asian American International Film Festival runs through August 3. Click here for more information and tickets.
Jose Llana and Maria-Christina Oliveras at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJose Llana and Maria-Christina Oliveras at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAlexander Hodge at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAlexander Hodge at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangDiane Paragas with her mother at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangVictor Lirio and Rona Reyes Sieh at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangDan Moynihan, Jarret Yoshida and Judge Doris Ling-Cohan at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangVictor Lirio and Maria-Christina Oliveras at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJose Llana with Diane Paragas and her mother at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangMaria-Christina Oliveras, Jose Llana, Nicole Ponseca and a guest at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangMaria-Christina Oliveras and Elz Cuya Jones at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJay Ptashek, Karen Elizaga, Liesl Hara and Eric Elizaga at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAsia Society’s Rachel Cooper, Jose Llana and Maria-Christina Oliveras at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangFiona Fu at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangPatrick Chen, Fiona Fu and Lia Chang at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Eric ElizagaNick Sakai, Liesl Hara and Eric Elizaga at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangKaren Elizaga and Diane Paragas at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangRachel Cooper and Diane Paragas at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJulian Kim, John Woo and Peter S. Lee at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJulian Kim and Peter S. Lee at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAlexander Hodge and Marissa Carpio at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangJune Jee, Alexa Muller and Ernabel Demillo at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAlexander Hodge and Jeremiah Abraham at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangMarissa Carpio at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangAsian Cinevision Executive Director John Woo at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
HIRO Sake was served at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangHIRO Sake was served at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangIrvi Sulit and pals at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangServing up G.H. Mumm Rosé champagne. Photo by Lia ChangPatrick Chen, David Chai, Fiona Fu, Lillian Bit, June Jee, Nicole Ponseca and Rozina Leong at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangNick Sakai, Eric Elizaga, Liesl Hara, Patrick Chen, Fiona Fu, June Jee, Lillian Bit, Rozina Leong, David Chai at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangRozina Leong, June Jee and Liam Booth at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night Party after screening of YELLOW ROSE on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangLiam Booth with his family at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangServing up G.H. Mumm Rosé champagne. Photo by Lia ChangMaria-Christina Oliveras and Rachel Cooper at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia ChangRachel Cooper and June Jee at 42nd Asian American International Film Festival’s Opening Night screening of YELLOW ROSE at Asia Society in New York on July 25, 2019. Photo by Lia Chang
Lia Chang. Photo by Garth Kravits. Photo by Lia Chang
Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films, making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Bev’s Girl Films’ debut short film, Hide and Seek was a top ten film in the Asian American Film Lab’s 2015 72 Hour Shootout Filmmaking Competition, and she received a Best Actress nomination. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. Lia is also an internationally published and exhibited photographer, a multi-platform journalist, and a publicist. Lia has appeared in the filmsWolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.
Backstage Pass with Lia Chang 